Write the structures of the cyclic acetals derived from cyclohexanone and ethylene glycol

To understand the structures of cyclic acetals derived from cyclohexanone and ethylene glycol, we first need to look at the components involved in their formation. Cyclohexanone is a six-membered cyclic ketone, while ethylene glycol is a diol, meaning it has two hydroxyl (-OH) groups. When these two compounds react, they can form a cyclic acetal through a process called acetalization.

Formation of Cyclic Acetals

The reaction between cyclohexanone and ethylene glycol involves the nucleophilic attack of one of the hydroxyl groups of ethylene glycol on the carbonyl carbon of cyclohexanone. This leads to the formation of a hemiacetal intermediate, which can further react with the second hydroxyl group to form a cyclic acetal.

Step-by-Step Reaction Mechanism

• Nucleophilic Attack: The oxygen atom of the hydroxyl group in ethylene glycol attacks the carbonyl carbon of cyclohexanone, resulting in the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate.
• Proton Transfer: A proton transfer occurs, leading to the formation of a hemiacetal.
• Water Elimination: The hemiacetal can lose a molecule of water (dehydration), allowing the second hydroxyl group to attack the carbonyl carbon, forming a cyclic structure.

Structure of the Cyclic Acetal

The final product is a cyclic acetal known as 1,3-dioxane derivative of cyclohexanone. The structure can be visualized as follows:

Visual Representation

In the cyclic acetal, the two oxygen atoms from the ethylene glycol are incorporated into the ring structure, forming a six-membered ring with two oxygens and four carbon atoms. The cyclohexanone contributes to the carbon framework of the ring. This results in a stable cyclic compound.

Summary of the Structure

The cyclic acetal derived from cyclohexanone and ethylene glycol can be represented as:

• A six-membered ring containing two oxygen atoms.
• Four carbon atoms from the cyclohexanone and ethylene glycol framework.
• Stable due to the formation of the acetal bond, which is less reactive than the original carbonyl group.

In summary, the cyclic acetal formed from cyclohexanone and ethylene glycol is a six-membered ring structure featuring two oxygen atoms, resulting from the acetalization process. This compound is significant in organic chemistry due to its stability and utility in various applications, including as solvents and in the synthesis of other chemical compounds.